Features:  

The Sony 505, the first digital reader from Sony, may not be at the top of the line in features and storage space, but it does offer a variety of colors. Attractive, especially in the relatively new world of electronic book readers that gives consumers few options to personalize their devices. From the striking Sangria red, dark blue and silver, the PRS 505 has a couple options that will be sure to get you noticed wherever you decide to read. Sony also offers several limited time offers with this electronic reader. From the annual Valentine’s edition in bright red and preloaded with Harlequin novels to the current Ian Fleming limited edition that comes with a leather case embossed with 007 on the front.

Where this device really loses its appeal when compared to other electronic digital readers is its internal storage capacity. The Sony 505 can only hold 160 titles. This is really disappointing, especially for avid readers. Unless, of course, people buy it as a supplement to their physical book library. They still keep their books, but they can use the digital reader for traveling.

The battery can last for about 2 weeks, or 7,500 continuous page turns. That helps, especially if you want to travel with the book.

For how few features the Sony PRS 505 offers compared to its competitors and even Sony’s newer model, we were really disappointed to see that it was still so expensive. Sure it comes in a variety of colors, but we don’t think it’s worth $300. Especially since this would be a good device for those who would use it to supplement their physical library. We would like to see $100 or so knocked off before we could really think this device would win out over its main competitors.
 

Content:  

We liked the fact that, although this is an older model from Sony, it is still compatible with the Sony eBook Store. So, although it can’t hold very many titles, you still have thousands of titles available at your fingertips … and USB cord connecting it to the computer. New releases, classics and other popular titles are all available. Plus, if you can find an digital copy of a book from another site, as long as it’s in one of the supported formats (i.e. PDF, RTF, TXT, BBeB and Word).

Technical Support:  

Sony has an eSupport page where you can contact Sony by email, find FAQs, troubleshoot and download the user manuals. You also have the ability to track your product when you send it in for repairs.

Show your style with any one of three unique and bright colors. However, because of its lack of internal memory, the Sony PRS 505 should be considered more as a way to supplement a physical library and used mostly for travel. But, the $300-price tag may be discouraging.